The transformation to a data-driven working and business world is underway. Companies are increasingly focusing on the meaningful use of data, and employees are required to acquire the relevant data skills. Robert Ginthör, a CTO at Know-Center, advises companies on how to use their data for profit. Together with the Controller Institute, he has launched the “Certified Business Data Manager” course, whose goal is to ensure the appropriate know-how in companies.
Data literacy is the ability to systematically deal with digital data, i.e., to (consciously) collect, maintain, manage and use it, and to capitalize on it.
Digital transformation increasingly creates data that enables new business models, new services and products. It is referred to as data-driven business. In addition, data generates an important basis for the development and use of artificial intelligence. Not for nothing are companies to a great extent evaluated according to their data. To establish a data-driven business in companies, data competence and, subsequently, appropriate data management are indispensable.
Data obtains its value only based on its use or application within a particular domain context. The company itself always has the best domain knowledge, which is difficult to bring in from outside.
That’s difficult to answer as the situation varies greatly from company to company. In larger companies, most of the time people are aware of the value of data and in most cases have determined their own roles and responsibilities, such as data quality managers and data stewards, and the associated processes. In smaller companies, however, I can still see a pent-up demand, which does not necessarily mean every company must create its own positions for it.
First, it is essential to determine who will be responsible for this topic within the company. This does not necessarily mean new jobs, but rather responsibilities that are anchored centrally and not scattered throughout the entire company. These are internal company “data meshes”, i.e., domain experts who treat and manage data like a product. Processes also play an important role, i.e., in terms of introducing data governance. It involves establishing a new mindset within the company, e.g., recognizing data as valuable resource. In addition, it includes more transparency in the handling of data, i.e., a democratization of data that makes it possible for employees to use it. To that effect, an accompanying change management makes sense. In any case, a good starting point is to invest into an appropriate qualification for the employees.
The course is for anyone who is interested in or responsible for systematically using data as a resource in their company and working with it in a more data-driven way. That way, one can acquire sustainable competencies that are becoming increasingly important in the working environment. But in the same way managers should be able to assess what measurable added value they can draw from data. The course enables the participants to better manage the data lifecycle in their companies in all its facets – organization, processes and technology.